5 Natural Remedies to Treat Ingrown Nails
Have you ever suffered from ingrown nails? This condition is known in medical terms as onychocryptosis. It occurs when one of the nails, usually on the foot, gets embedded in the skin of the toe.
Their appearance is usually due to wearing shoes that are too tight, although they can also be the result of too much physical effort on the feet, fungus, or injury, among others.
Although they rarely become a serious problem, it is essential to treat them to calm the pain, redness and sensitivity in the affected area.
In addition, this eliminates bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms that, in some cases, cause infections and other complications.
The good news is that there are 100% natural remedies that can help to treat them quickly and effectively. Next, we will share 5 good alternative. Don’t hesitate to use them when you suffer from this problem!
1. Garlic and olive oil
Preparing a natural ointment with garlic and olive oil can cure ingrown toenails while protecting the skin against possible infections.
These ingredients help repair damaged skin and provide a protective barrier against bacteria and germs.
Ingredients
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (16 g)
Preparation
- Grind a clove of garlic and mix it with a spoonful of olive oil until it forms a paste.
Application
- Rub the treatment on the ingrown toenails and let it act for 40 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat its use 2 times a day, every day.
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2. Aloe vera and tea tree oil
This solution combines two powerful antiseptic ingredients that help to protect the skin when it deteriorates due to ingrown nails.
Their moisturizing and reparing properties accelerate cell regeneration and facilitate the extraction of the nail.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (30 g)
- 6 drops of tea tree essential oil
Preparation
- Combine the aloe vera gel with the drops of tea tree essential oil.
Application
- Rub the treatment on the affected areas and let it work without rinsing.
- Repeat its use 2 times a day until the problem is cured.
3. Lemon juice and honey
Although we know that a mixture of lemon juice and honey can be used as an internal remedy for many health problems, it is good to bear in mind that it also facilitates the treatment of ingrown toenails externally.
Its antibiotic properties prevent infections and, through its calming action, it reduces pain and redness of the skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (20 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
Preparation
- Pour the lemon juice into a bowl and mix it with the honey.
Application
- Rub the remedy on the affected area, and let it act for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and repeat its use 2 times a day.
- Use it until the nail is extracted.
4. Calendula infusion
Because of its antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, a calendula infusion is a mild remedy to combat the pain caused by ingrown nails.
Its direct application prevents infections and helps repair damaged skin.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of calendula flowers (30 g)
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
Preparation
- Boil the cups of water and add the calendula flowers when it reaches a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and leave the infusion for 3 or 5 minutes.
- Then, wait for it to sit at room temperature, strain it and pour it into a bowl.
Application
- Dip your feet into the infusion for 15 or 20 minutes.
- Repeat the treatment every day.
Do you want to know more? Read: 9 Tips for Naturally Taking Care of Your Nails, Inside and Out
5. Apple cider vinegar
Because of its high natural acid content, apple cider vinegar helps regulate the pH of the skin to accelerate its recovery from infections.
Its anti-inflammatory compounds reduce swelling and calm the sensation of pain around the affected nail.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)
- 3 cups of water (750 ml)
Preparation
- Heat the cups of water and, without letting them boil, pour them into a basin.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and stir so that it is mixed well.
Application
- Dip your feet into the solution and let them soak for 20 minutes.
- Use the remedy every day until you alleviate the problem.
Have you noticed that any of your nails are ingrown? Do you feel pain when wearing your shoes? If so, don’t hesitate to try any of these remedies to help alleviate it.
If the problem persists after trying them for several days, consult a doctor.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- B, JRS. Onicocriptosis: (uña encarnada). Dermatología Venez. 1996.
- García Dorado J, Alonso Fraile P. Alteraciones del pelo y de las uñas. Pediatr Integr. 2016.
- Lastra Valdés H, Piquet García R. Calendula officinalis. Revista Cubana de Farmacia. 1999.
